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Denmark sure knows how to manufacture pretty people: First Helena Christensen, then Freja Beha, and now Caroline Brasch Nielsen. The 17-year-old was placed under exclusive wraps last season, until her grand unveiling at the fall 2010 Paris shows. Every significant Parisian designer from Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent embraced Nielsen in her debut season. The house of Valentino is a fan as well; she opened the label’s fall 2010 show and closed its fall 2010 couture collection. Editors also took note of the equestrian’s top-model potential, snagging tears in Italian Vogue with Steven Meisel, French Vogue with Claudia Knoepfel and Stefan Indlekofer, and Balenciaga’s fall ad campaign. Not to mention she enjoyed roaring success during her New York Fashion Week debut, opening for Narciso Rodriguez, Hervé Léger, and Thakoon. Click ahead to read a brief Q&A with Nielsen, and then visit her new model profile to see loads of on- and off-the-runway pics.

You’re becoming known for your distinct runway glare, so tell us: What is going through your head when you’re walking down the runway?
I’m thinking of who may be watching me out there in the audience! My runway look must be the way I look when I’m focused.

Favorite fashion capital: New York, Paris, Milan, London, or Tokyo?
I like them all. I’m new, so I’m learning what each city has to offer.

What’s been your most memorable editorial shoot to date?
Probably the Russian Vogue shoot with Benny Horne, where I was holding a dog almost as big as me … in pouring rain!

You shot the fall Balenciaga ad campaign, alongside Stella Tennant and Karen Elson. What was the shoot like?
It was a really fun and easy shoot. When you work with someone like Steven, the whole experience is great.